About

Greetings, lovely people, and a warm welcome to Food For Joy, where every meal is a celebration of happiness! I’m Pratiba Bhat, hailing from the picturesque city of Udupi in India, and currently, I call Mangalore Udupi Shimoga Mandya, India, my home, where I live with my family, including two little humans. During my school days, my mind was mostly occupied with books, pencils, crayons and papers, along with all the academic rigours that came with it. However, my habitual drawing ritual couldn’t be contained, and I would spend my spare moments sketching whatever I could imagine or getting my hands dirty with paint and glue. I was a diligent student too though, with a never waning passion for drawing. In between, I went on to become an Engineer.


 

 

The Food Blog and Writing

At the ripe age of 20, I was a cooking-show-obsessed hawk, binging my way through study breaks during my engineering days. My mother’s humble South Indian kitchen became my haven for culinary experimentation, with mixed results – some recipes turned out to be epic failures while others exceeded my wildest expectations. Captivated by the visual feast of cookery shows, I spent hours poring over their every detail. As my passion for cooking grew, I began to share my recipes on “blogspot”, a hip platform at the time. Looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at my silly, cringe-worthy writings and recipes – they’re for my eyes only now. But what truly amazes me are the photographs – taken on an old Nokia phone camera, they capture the unbridled enthusiasm and pure joy I felt while cooking. In hindsight, it was my insatiable hunger for culinary expression that drove me to put pen to paper.

 

 

 

Ever since 2012, I’ve made it a habit to cook meals at home on a regular basis. As I explored new recipes and experimented with different flavor combinations, I found myself increasingly drawn to the art of home cooking. Delving into the archives of local authors and home-cooks, as well as vintage publications, has sparked my curiosity about my native culture and its unique culinary traditions. In fact, I often find myself crafting blog posts that share not only recipes, but also the stories and experiences that have shaped my food philosophy. For me, cooking is a way to add a splash of color and vitality to everyday life.

Food photography and the Website

 

The idea of food photography was never even a blip on my radar. As a child, I never imagined that I would one day take pictures, let alone use them to fuel my passion for writing. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, inspired by my husband’s encouragement and my own hunger for artistic expression. With his help, I even honed my photography skills and learned how to wield a professional-grade camera. And to my surprise, I found that my new found love aligned perfectly with my many interests. In the end, I took the leap and launched my own website, eager to share my love of food and photography with the world.

 

 

Food For Joy is a veritable treasure trove of vegetarian recipes crafted from the humblest of ingredients found in every kitchen. Completely free of any common food allergens, as well as eggs, meat, and fish, these recipes are a celebration of wholesome cuisine. Each recipe has its own unique origin story – some hail from the annals of history, while others have been passed down through my own family for generations. Some recipes were adapted from books, while others are the fruits of my own creative experimentation (such as the delectable wheat cakes). But what truly sets Food For Joy apart is its personal touch – each recipe is lovingly photographed and accompanied by a detailed backstory that adds depth and meaning to every recipe I share. This website is not just a mere food portal – it’s a visual and literary open book, carefully crafted to showcase my love for photography and more when it comes to writing out recipes.

To put it plainly, I used to be a bit of a wild card in the kitchen during my younger years. With little regard for measurements or proper seasoning techniques, I would toss together ingredients in a frenzied fit of culinary enthusiasm. But as they say, practice makes perfect – and I certainly learned a great deal from my early missteps. In fact, I’ve even taken to sharing some of my hard-won wisdom with my readers, offering up helpful tips and tricks for mastering certain recipes. Ultimately, though, my greatest joy comes from the thought of just one person – out of the many who visit my site – finding a recipe on Food For Joy that inspires them to roll up their sleeves and start cooking.

If you’ve enjoyed your time here, why not consider subscribing via RSS Feeds or following along with updates on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter?

Rest assured that every recipe you find on this site has been thoroughly tried and tested. And as for the photographs that accompany each recipe, they’re all original shots taken by yours truly during the preparation process. If you’d like a copy of any of my photos, simply drop me a message via the contact form and let me know your requirements.

In addition to my passion for cooking and food photography, I’m also available for photography and food writing assignments. If you’re interested in working with me, please feel free to reach out via the contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. I truly value all of the comments, compliments, suggestions, and constructive criticism that my readers have to offer. And while I always make an effort to respond to every message I receive, there’s always a chance that I might miss one. So if you don’t hear back from me, please don’t hesitate to send another message – I promise I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!

  1. Kumar says:

    Your blog is one of the best I have come across about Indian cuisine. I grew up on the same food which you have eloquently described in your recipes. I enjoy reading your writing which is very well refined and nearly flawless. I grew up in Bangalore and briefly attended college in Mandya a very long time ago. I’d encourage you to post some local Mandyan (if I can say), preferably satvik recipes. Keep up the good work.

    1. Pratiba Bhat says:

      Thank you for such an elaborate message! So kind. I hardly find people who read blogs these days. I’m not originally from Mandya. Still getting acquainted to this place and cuisine. :) Yes the Bassaru-Mudde has to be posted someday here. Thats totally a wholesome meal. Thanks once again.

  2. yasser says:

    My name is Yasser. And I am a professional academic writer with many years of experience in writing.

    My primary goal is to solve problems related to writing. And I have been doing it for many years. I have been with several associations as a volunteer and have assisted in many ways.
    My love for writing has no end. It is like the air we breathe, something I cherish with all my being. I am a passionate writer who started at an early age.
    I’m happy that I`ve already sold several copies of my works in different countries like Canada and China and others too numerous to mention.
    I also work in a company that provides assistance to many students from different parts of the world. Students always come to me because I work no matter how complex their projects are. I help them to save money, because I feel fulfilled when people come to me for professional help.

    Academic Writer – Yasser – http://www.rcstandcom.info Corps

  3. I just got lost in your writings. As I’ve already mentioned I tried your fudge tart and it turned out amazing. Im hooked to your website since the time I found your link on google. I even can’t stop the urge to check your posts in office too. wanna read everything again an again….. big fan growing ihere. do post and write more.

  4. shalini says:

    The new profile picture is amazinglystunnjng, you look a lot like rani mukerjee with that smile. Natural beauty from namma ooru udupi ? keep the recipes coming. miss your photos and writings

  5. Deepika says:

    Hi Pratiba:)Finally the day has come to try your recipes :) Step by step & measurement instructions will help alot :)i wish if i could learn directly from u:( Hereonwards i keep visiting it;)

  6. Renuka says:

    Hi Pratiba,
    Landed in your website when i searched for whole wheat cake without maida… and it was a huge success since I am trying to reduce maida as mush as possible and started looking at your other recipes too.. I am very very very impressed.. and not using allergens and non veg and still maintaining amazing collection with lot of healthy food recipes is really impressive.i just loved your writing an photography as well.. keep it up :)

    1. Pratiba Bhat says:

      Thanks Renuka :) I still have a long way to go. Encouraging readers like you keep me going.:) I’m trying my best to come up with recipes sans maida. Its a tough thing to accomplish especially in baking. :) Thank you so much for the lovely message. :)

  7. sunita says:

    Prathibha, I stumbled on your blog while googling through a easy recipe for a jaggery whole wheat cake. The recipe on your blog is so easy and the results are fabulous. I added 2 tbsp. Of flax seed meal to the batter and used organic jaggery. Used all spice powder as the only flavoring. In fact I was so confident of the recipe that I doubled the recipe the first time. Results are really good and kids are loving it. Thanks so much..

  8. Jayashree says:

    Hello Pratibha ..
    You have a nice collection of dishes. Good to have stumbled upon your site. Yes, cooking is an ongoing process. I too have a food blog evergreendishes.com

  9. Parvathy dasa says:

    Hello Pratiba, firstly, let me introduce myself. I’m Parvathy das, a bhakti yogi from France. Now I live in a place named Haridwar. I stumbled on your blog through a Google search for Panchamrith. I was amazed with what I read. There is so much of depth in what you write. This is not just another blog for me, I feel the divinity while being here. The story of Panchamrith is so mesmerising that I can ‘t thank you enough for sharing such a beautiful story. The essence of the recipe is wonderfully captured. Would love to know more about your hometown Udupi. I’ve heard a lot about the place and its association with Lord Krishna. I would love to visit the place someday. You are so lucky to have your roots at Udupi. Can you please share more Krishna prasadam recipes on your beautiful recipe journal. That would be lovely. My best regards to you.

    – Parvathy Dasa

    1. Pratiba Bhat says:

      Parvathy Dasa: Thank you for dropping by and leaving behind such a nice message. I’m so happy you loved reading my food stories. I’ll definitely keep posting more about my hometown. Udupi is a lovely place to visit and settle as well. Surely I’ll make time to post Krishna Prasada Sweets. Thanks a lot Parvathy. :)

  10. ರಾಜೇಶ್ ಅಡಿಗ says:

    ಬಾಯಲ್ಲಿ ನೀರೂರಿಸುವ ಪಾಕಶಾಸ್ತ್ರ ಇದು. ನಿಮ್ಮ ರೆಸಿಪೀಸ್ ಗಳು ತುಂಬಾ ಚೆನ್ಣಾಗಿದೆ. ಛಾಯಾಚಿತ್ರಗಳು ಸಾವಿರ ಕಥೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹೆಳುತ್ತಾ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಪರಲೋಕಕ್ಕೆ ಕರೆದೊಯ್ಯುತ್ತವೆ. ಇನ್ನೂ ಸಿಹಿ ತಿಂಡಿಗಳನ್ನು ಹಾಕಿ. ತುಂಬಾ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿರುತ್ತೆ.

    1. Pratiba Bhat says:

      Malathi: Thank you Malathi. I just wish I could post more frequently. But out here, the weather is always gloomy and it is too dark to do any kind of photography. I do have some old posts pending though. Let the weather improve, I will definitely increase the number of posts per month. :)

      ರಾಜೇಶ: ತುಂಬಾ ಥ್ಯಾಂಕ್ಸ್. ಕನ್ನಡ ಕಮೆಂಟ್ ನೋಡಿ ತುಂಬಾ ಖುಷಿ ಆಯಿತು :) ಖಂಡಿತ ಸಿಹಿ ತಿಂಡಿಗಳನ್ನು ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಮಾಡ್ತೀನಿ. :)

  11. Roopa B Hegde says:

    Hi Prathiba,
    I love cooking n your recipies help me a lot in my busy schedule, all the recipies are simple n pictures excites me to give a try…… n it turns tastier too.
    Thank you very much n keep posting easier ones.

  12. Malathi says:

    Nice picture. Couldnt really see you in the previous dp. Really beautiful. How do you manage to be so thin inspite of that yummy food is the question.

  13. Ekta wadhwa says:

    Hi Pratiba , read the cake recipe with wheat flour and jaggery . Have been trying cakes that are healthy n my kids can have But still to bake a awesome one ..
    Thanx
    Ekta

  14. Shyama Prakash says:

    Hey Pratiba.. do you remember me? We had met through Rashmi in Bangalore at Kundanhalli? She just passed me your site link. Its a lovely lovely website. first time I thought you were a dancer because of your expressive eyes;) Now i know you have superb creativity.:) i love trying out vege recipes and am happy your site will be there for me. nice one.:)im not on fb so mail me to the above id:) keep in touch.

  15. Deepika Gosh says:

    Why are all food bloggers so pretty? :) Your bio is lovely. Beautifully composed. I am a regular reader and visitor here.

  16. Ashwini.EM says:

    Hi Prathiba
    I read some of your recipes and loved ur website and also the photographs of foods. . I will definitely try your recipes. Actually i am also love cooking,this my hobby also , i am very glad to see ur website when vinay sir gave me ur website.Really its a very good try……:-) i need to join with you….to foodforjoy…. :-) i just loved this whole idea.

  17. Ashu says:

    hi prathi.. was surpised to see this website in your profile. never knew you would get into blogging n all. u used to be such a silent and shy person in our school days. LOL i just remembered our drawing classes, the way you used draw so well n i would struggle to draw even a circle! :P \ you have given an artistic touch to your food blog. i just loved this whole idea. cant believe you have grown so social! My classmates who were famous back in school days are now running in a rat race but you have done a great job by coming to limelight. great going. proud that i know you :D yayyy!!! must try your recipes one by one. this one is sure awesome!!!

    1. Pratiba says:

      Thank you :) Glad you liked this place. I too remember all the fun we used to have in those drawing classes. Good old days. And yes its just that I’ve developed an interest in food – writing ;) otherwise I’m still that same shy person ;)

      1. Ashu Bhat says:

        Hey you beauty. I just loved your new dp. Awesome dearie. Tried your super duper yummy moist orange cake and my god it turened out yummy. Love you babe :* I told mom about you. Showed you her pic too.. She just loved the blog and all. But you sure have to post more recipes da. I’m missing your posts so much. :( You got lots in you. My bro was excited to try out the pulav too. He said he would try this weekend…!! have asked him for the feedback. Ahem. ;)

  18. Gopal Muddanna says:

    I see you have professionally designed your website. You have an awesome skill for writing. All your posts reflect your personality and intelligence! Everything is so freaking gorgeous here. I just came here through FB, that too by accident. Your panchamrita story gave me goosebumps! Sooper…! You are extremely talented as your name says it all! :D

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  20. Neema Nitesh Poojary says:

    Hi Prathiba
    I read some of your recipes and loved the stuff you have posted and also the photographs with it. Though married for over 2 and half years now, everyday is a new leaning experience for me in the kitchen. I will definetly try your recipes. continue posting wonderful recipes!!

  21. vanitha says:

    I love the idea, could you make it a part of FB page so we can like and subscribe pls, I know a lot of my friends would love to follow :)

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